Bone Machine

This album sounds amazing. The production choices, the instrument choices, and the instrumentation are all perfect for this music. It’s raw and gritty. I didn’t really like any of the songs enough to probably listen to this album again, but I love that this knows exactly what it’s supposed to be. So this is a strange one for me, I love this album for what it is even if I don’t think I’ll listen again.

No one puts in more flavor than Tom. It's not always pleasant, but it's always evocative

Tom Waits! 4/5

Clackety-clack, thump-thump-thump...the rhythms of Bone Machine are unmatched.

So much more interesting than other albums that are considered amazing.

Tom Wait's 11th studio album is a difficult listen, hard listening time. The songs blend together like puke in a vomitorium the music sounds like the soundtrack to the world having one big ugly nightmare. It's relentless. It doesn't let up even on the relatively less doom & gloom songs there is no sense of hope at all. It feels like the end of the world as our souls wait in our bone machines (our bodies) for what we know is coming any day or maybe (we dare think) that day came already and this is the music of the aftermath of the end of everything. I can't imagine wanting to hear Bone Machine again anytime soon but who knows maybe in a few decades it will all make more sense to me because right now it's the most unrelatable album on the 1001 list and I'm very thankful for that. This is the toughest album I have ever rated. Did I enjoy? Not really. Is it an important work? Absolutely. I could give it ⭐️star & it would be a very honest rating, but I could also give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️and it would also be a very honest rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ is out of the question as Bone Machine might be a million things but average it is not. ⭐️⭐️ is too close to a negative review & I don't feel negative about Bone Machine at all, so that's not going to fly. I guess I'll go with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I can't award an album that I didn't enjoy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ even if I do recognize it as a brilliant work of art and ultimately post-art.

He’ll yeah

Mad and bonkers. Completely off the wall compared to my normal listening pleasure. The sleeve notes show this was recorded in a basement room with just a 'cement floor and water heater'. Very stripped recording but imaginative and has a fascinating vibe. Unusual but endearing.

7/10…experimental-dirty rock Anfängliche Schwächen. An mancher Stelle falsch abgebogen.

I am not really a Tom Waits fan, I can appreciate his music, but I don't really ever seek it out. that being said I am seeing WAY too many 1's and 2's in these reviews. It isn't that bad, I get his voice is weird, but common, it's not unlistenable. In my review for Spiderland I said that it probably has the highest disparity in ratings from this site and RYM (1.2), but this album is close with 1.12 (current rated a 3.97 on RYM). Anyways this album is good, I really like The Earth Died Screaming, and it is cool that Les Claypool makes an appearance on this list, still there are a handful of songs I am not crazy about. A very good album overall though. Mid 4.

Man, I just don't know how to feel about Tom Waits. I can't tell if he's being sincere or parodying something (or himself?) most of the time. There are times when the music is actually really beautiful and melodic and Tom's vocals are just this drunken, raspy, caricature of a singer and then there are the "songs" that just sound like rhythmic noises made expertly by a mad men (or several of them at once) in a sewer somewhere. I had trouble getting through this album because of some of the songs that just didn't connect with me, but I want to like it. I'm really struggling to pick between 3 and 4 stars, but I'm gonna say 4 because it kinda won me over by the end.

I was dreading listening to this, since I didn’t like Heartattack and Vine much …. but it’s actually really good? Waits voice still sounds like Captain Beefheart in Sesame Street, but I think his old bluesmans voice is fully utilised here. Instrumentation is sparse, soms clings and clangs and bits of conventional instruments here and there. It all sets a really nice tone with apt lyrics to back them up. I really liked this much more than I thought I would and will be revisiting.

Some really wonderful stuff, and some of the stuff that kept me from loving him during a lot of that decade. I prefer rain, dogs, but I love some of this too.

I like his voice in the fall. halloween and stuff. he is great for that. also he was in shrek. goated

I've heard bits and pieces of Tom Waits over the years and have really enjoyed his music along with that unmistakable voice. This is my first listen in a long time. I really enjoyed it.

I've always thought Tom Waits was a very intriguing artist. His music, his songwriting, it's definitely different. And I have met him once at a local mall - go figure. (and yes it was him, he said his name was Tom Waits, and at the time I knew of him). Not many Tom Waits with that raspy voice. Some good music.

This is my first Tom Waits album out of the 17,020 (okay, it is 5) albums by him that are in this book. I have always tried to get into Waits and his music, with varying degrees of success. I tend to enjoy his 70's output a bit more than his later output, at least from what I know of that music. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this album and his album didn't absolutely grate the heck out of my nerves, as I thought it may. I do not know if I will ever be a Tom Waits fan, but perhaps listening to him in headphones is the way to go. I feel like it was a better experience for me, even if the name of the album and the cover photo is an immediate turnoff. I knew two of these tracks already but I enjoyed nearly all of the songs, especially A Little Rain and Dirt in the Ground.

Really enjoyed this. Probably more than the previous Tom Waits album - Heartattack and Vine. Best songs: Such A Scream Jesus Gonna Be Here (his voice sounds great here) In The Colosseum Goin' Out West Black Wings I Don't Wanna Grow Up (probably the best song)

There is no one else like Tom Waits. I was really struck by the ballads on this listen--he really knows how to write a beautiful melody.

Ive grown to really enjoy Tom Waits. The blues and stomp and stories are all top notch, ive grown to love the growl and i enjoyed this immensely. Needs more attention

rammelende muziek met een rauwe stem erop en nog eens degelijk teksten... zo kennen we onze Tom

This is the album that got me into Tom Waits, and I think it's his best. His somber, nocturne aura is here at its peak, while at the same time has a bunch of good, catchy songs. It doesn't have annoying spoken parts, but instead is a whole of good songs with a deep, weird voice.

Some great voodoo sounds, kinda Captain Beefheart meets Dr John. Highly enjoyable.

Tom Waits is good fun. This isn't his greatest, but it's grimy dirty bluesy growling.

Surprisingly enjoyable. It kind of sneaks up on you, hands you a beer, and invites you to have a seat and chill with good conversation.

What a crazy record. I really enjoyed it. Is it the best by Tom waits? Maybe not but maybe it is in my opinion.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It's weird, fun, chaotic, and unpredictable.

Fav songs: Jesus Gonna Be Here; Goin' Out West (pretty sure this is used in Fight Club) I have listened to TW in the past and have 3 albums. He's not for everyone and the older he gets the more his voice sounds like razors cutting through cigar smoke. But I love the imagery he evokes in the album. It feels Gothic. The album either calms down as it goes on or you just get used to it. But plow through and you might end liking it. I notice many ppl didn't really like it.

J'aime le vibe !

Fort sur les percussions et la voix graveleuse de Tom. Je connais un peu plus certains de ses anciens albums, disons qu’on change quand même de registre là. J’apprécie le son de cacanne secondaire à l’enregistrement dans la cave betonnée du studio. Mais sur certaines chansons ça egratigne un peu les oreilles. Je réécouterais pas en boucle disons, mais ça meritera de s’y attarder de nouveau. Dirt in the ground, Such a scream, Whistle the wind down etaient bonnes!

Bone Machine is filled to the brim with stark contrasts. It's not exactly a satisfying listening experience, but Tom Waits proves yet again that he is the master of creating unique atmospheres. When the beauty hits on 'Whistle Down The Wind', it all comes together.

This was better than I expected it to be. A little gravelly.

Thoughts before listening: Tom Waits' album with Primus. I owned this back in the day and it's probably my favorite Waits album. He can be a tough listen because of the gravelly voice, so you might as well pair him with another one of my favorites. Review: Ok so I guess Les Claypool was a guest on this album and it's not fully with Primus. It's still an interesting album despite the hard to get accustomed to voice that's equal parts carnival barker and lounge jazz singer, and the reliance on harsh percussion instead of traditional instrumentation. It's definitely one of those albums that I can enjoy with headphones or in my car but would never play for others. My favorite song is "Goin' Out West" which I first heard from Widespread Panic's cover. I'll give this 4-stars.

This album gave me an interesting experience. For some reason, after listening to it once and deciding it was a definite one-star effort, I decided to give it another chance, and played it through again. At that point I had realised that at least a couple of the tracks had merit, so I listened again. This time I found myself smiling and chuckling at "I don't wanna grow up" and appreciating the lyrics on tracks such as "whistle down the wind". I knew that I couldn't justify less than three stars now - so I played it through once more for good measure - and guess what? Yep, it's getting four stars from me! OK, the guy's voice is an acquired taste, and if I could, I would rename the album "Diamonds and Duds", because it has plenty of the former and a few of the latter... But overall, I really came to appreciate what it was all about.

Really breaking my Tom Waits only every once and a while rule. It's like all too much too often. 8/10

Very weird album, I think I liked it as a whole. No major tracks stood out to me, but I like the vibe, I think it’s an overall album. It was very solid. It made sense when I looked up later that Primus played a few tracks. I’ll give it a four out of five, but it’s weird because I can’t recommend it to anyone in particular.

I likes this. I’m kinda giving it a four just cause I want to remember it more, it’s a stretch but it’s unique

Just like the previously suggested Tom Waits album, I kinda liked it. I was a huge fan, some tracks were not for me, but overall it has something. "Dirt In The Ground" is a good one, "Jesus Gonna Be Here" is some kick ass blues.

Before this opportunity, I’d never really listened properly to a Tom Waits album, despite numerous recommendations from people whose tastes have a lot in common with mine. If I’m honest I’d always suspected there was a bit of ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ about his music. Going into this I nearly tripped over my own prejudices and fell at the (admittedly challenging) first hurdle with the opening track The Earth Died Screaming. And yet, and yet….. After a couple of false starts, with headphones on, and taking Bone Machine as my soundtrack for a heavy gym session (Waits and weights?), I ended up listening to the whole album, back-to-back, twice. And loved it. What helped? Well, being a Nick Cave fanboy definitely helps get you tuned to the Tom Waits vibe (A Little Rain, and Whistle Down the Wind have particularly Cave-y moments). And I suspect if I found myself in a Tom Waits gig, as well as a smattering of Bad Seeds t-shirts there’d also be plenty of middle-aged men who would pick Stewart Lee (wilfully inaccessible) as their favourite comedian. We like a challenge, especially one that puts us in what we can tell ourselves is a position of intellectual superiority. But there are some great moments on this album – from the raspy melancholy of Who Are You to the consumptive blues of Jesus Gonna Be Here. Even the slightly unhinged cabaret stylings of In the Colosseum grew on me after a second listen. In truth there’s a track on this album for all moods. Including the (relatively) happy clappy singalong of I Don’t Wanna Grow Up. Pay attention and you notice all the emotional subtleties and tonal nuances in what might at first seem not much more than a novelty act channelling some mad tramp in a dive bar. Tom Waits – because he knows the lost sheep will all return to his fold eventually. Will definitely be seeking out more.

as expected with tom waits, this album is a bit bonkers. i would venture to say most people would probably hate this. but there is something about this quirky music that does something for me. even though they are draped in ugly and off-kilter sounds and tom waits' growly wailing, the melodies here are pretty great and if you can get into the vibe, it's a really solid album. it's easy to listen to this album and think "wow this sounds like shit i hate this" but if you are willing to crack past the ugly exterior, there is some cool shit in this nut.

I feel like this is right at the bridge when his records went from down and out to just out, which I love but acknowledge isn't for everyone and I think he perfected it a few years later.

This album is definitely more like the Tom Waits I'm familiar with than his much earlier "Nighthawks At The Diner", and for that alone I'm glad this album is included in the collection. I also feel like this is a much stronger album overall than "Nighthawks", especially for those (like me) who enjoy his style; I really enjoyed the whole album, but felt the opening track "Earth died screaming", "Such a scream", "In the colosseum", and "Black rain" were all particularly good (the only laggards were "A little rain" and "Whistle down the wind"). I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to watch the videos for "Goin' out west" and "I don't wanna grow up", especially since they were directed by Jim Jarmusch and Jesse Dylan, but I guess that'll be something to look forward to. I know he's largely an acquired taste, but I'm thankful that I've somehow become seasoned to his distinctive and unusual style (probably some combination of seeing him on the screen ("Children of God", an episode of "Fishing with John"), and his great version of "The devil down below" that fronted season one of "The Wire"). And it's very cool that he got a variety of musicians to accompany on various tracks (Les Claypool (Primus) on "Earth died screaming", Keith Richards on "That feel", David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) on "Whistle down the wind", etc).

Tom Waits scratches my sea shanty itch and goes above and beyond — not my favorite Waits album but he’s still my flavor through and through, maybe because I like the taste of black coffee while eating nails for breakfast with a side of cigarettes that were tap-danced on by a depressed Broadway clown whose show just got shut down. 1992, same year as Night on Earth, and he won the Grammy for this? Deserved, nobody makes music like Tom Waits and I’m happy to learn he got the recognition he was owed. Album flows pretty well! This is like a 9/10 for me.

Хороший альбом, своеобразный стиль есть, местами круто получается

Eclectic. I gave it two listens and think to truly get to grips I will need to listen more. There are strong elements of beefheart on some tracks and of Dylan on others but also tracks which are very Tom waits. There is quite a bit of darkness but also depth. Challenging but rewarding.

Mesmerizing. Brilliant.

An interesting listen. Jazzy old school bleeding gums Joe

Interesting

Waits doesn’t lay it out on a fancy platter for you as much as he kicks down the door and tosses it on the same table he plops his scuffed boots on. This album was recorded in a room with a cement floor and nothing but a water heater, Waits reportedly liked how the room provided the stripped down sound. There definitely is a starkness to the sound on this record and I for one think it benefits from it. There’s also a subtle country twang to it and accompanied by the gothic tones made it really interesting. Really enjoyed this Waits release, with Who Are You coming out on top as my favourite track. 4 stars

Enjoyed this one

Some real hits on here.

Big fan of the gravelly voiced singers & Tom Waits is the king of them.

Oh hell yeah! Haven't given this enough plays since I bought the CD right after it came out, and it's really good to get re-introduced to. Really like the bleakness given my increasingly bleak moods.

I guess I didn't know I was a Tom Waits fan.

Super experimental, but fucking great all the same. I have a soft spot for Tom's music. His lyrics are amazing. They really paint a picture. And I love how rough and unpolished his voice is. Admittedly, this is the most inaccessible of the 5 albums of his that I've listened to thus far, but I still love the chaos of it. Favorite songs: Goin' Out West, Jesus Gonna Be Here, Murder in the Red Barn, Black Wings, I Don't Wanna Grow Up, A Little Rain, Dirt in the Ground, Such a Scream Least favorite songs: All Stripped Down 4/5

Waits has a very incomparable voice. Banging album

You always know what you're going to get with Tom Waits. And you know what? He tends to be pretty good at it. This is a mostly good album and would make for a fun occasional listen.

Loved the vibe here. Might be rating it too high, but whatever

I’m one of the sickos who enjoys Tom Waits’ whole deal. So I enjoyed this quite a bit. A tad all over the place tonally but that’s a small nitpick. 4/5

Very very strange

interesting

Damn. This album is a little more than 50 minutes and yet, it felt like only 30. Is it Waits' voice? Is it the instrumentals? Is it the sonic palette and diversity? Nah, it's all of this at the same time.

Always reminds me of when he was in ghost rider with nic cage

If my first Tom Waits album, Nighthawks at the Diner, was me stepping into the waters of his work, and Rain Dogs was me finally getting the appeal of it, listening to Bone Machine is the point where I can officially say that I like Tom Waits now. This is my third album of his and, while I wouldn't put it above Rain Dogs, I still really enjoyed it. Bone Machine is super cool. The things that I liked about Rain Dogs are still here, though I do prefer the overall package of that album more. Tom's vocals are still very unique and fitting of the music itself. This music that I speak of is considerably darker this time around, which I think works quite well. These songs are definitely more ominous than most of the songs on Rain Dogs, but I think the vibe created by Tom Waits and the various other musicians involved with this album (which happens to include two members of Primus btw) is really unique and executed very well. Just because it's dark doesn't mean it's bad though. Most of these songs are great. Some aren't as special, but they're the shorter ones, so it's okay. The best songs on this album are just excellent though. I especially love "Goin' Out West." The guitar on that track is just superb. Tom's writing is also amazing. The storytelling is very commendable. Bone Machine isn't an album for anyone, but I would definitely call it a must-listen for anyone interested in the work of Tom Waits. I enjoyed it. 4/5.

Damn. I really like Tom's kooky take on things, his old timey vibe. It takes me away. Half beat poet, half ringleader, 100% in some shady world that you will never see, and let's face it, might not even exist. Four shots of whisky from a left handed midget in a blind alley at 3am.

The only other Tom Waits album I heard was his debut all the way back in 1973 when he had a normal singing voice and played pretty and tender songs, yet, knowing his reputation of his later albums getting weirder and grittier I kind of expected something that was so removed from his start as a blues pianist and more into weirdo rock or something. Instead... It's kind of an inbetween point in those two ideas, he's gone mad and now has really weirdly composed songs, sounds like Cookie Monster and plays a fucked version of his previous music, but he still knows how to pull at your heartstrings or make really compelling songs despite something feeling off, and I really enjoy that! I love hearing that even 20 years after Closing Time he can take the things from that sound and bring it into a new context where the dark and gloomy atmosphere really works. I think I need some time to really sink in and appreciate some of these songs but I think this one will grow on me for sure

The first ive heard from him that I can attribute ANY value to. This hits the mark. His nauseaiatingly contrived persona finds a sweet spot here and delivers. Would own.

Tom Waits has such a beautiful voice

I liked this one also much better than I thought I would, but even the first song got me like damn this is gonna be a different one. I actually heard a lot of captain beefheart influence in this one which is crazy.

While I can’t truthfully say that I enjoyed the whole album, I honestly believe in Tom’s talent. He makes music so unique and original. Like no other artist. It’s really incredible how different he sounds and how immediate you can tell him apart. Even with just his instrumentation. I find him best when he doesn’t try to strain his voice to sing. Just his old tired weary voice. Favorite tracks are “Who Are You”, “A Little Rain”, “Whistle Down The Wind”, and “That Feel”. This is solid and consistent and I can appreciate that musicianship without enjoying all of it. 4/5

Sat in the dark and listened to this weird shit. I liked it.

Surprised by how much I liked this one. He is his own kind.

Waits is his own man, he does his own thing and is authentic to his soul. It comes through on every moment on this album. It’s a dark album, it’s a bare album with minimal instrumentation but never feels miserable, never feels hopeless. I strangely feel it calming.

Overall, there’s a bit of a sampler feel to this, reflecting that much of this has been presented before and in more concentrated and persuasive form. And the Grammy was definitely a lifetime achievement award (another Grammy nobody much listens to despite feeling good about granting), not that TW isn’t deserving. This is far short of Rain Dogs (obvs) and maybe a few Waits entries on this list too. However, it mines all his best tics and angles and delivers all the classic Waitsian feels and vibes: “Who Are You” and “A Little Rain” and “Whistle Down the Wind” are all lovely and engaging and fully believable as Depression-era ballads. “Ocean Doesn’t Want Me” is weird and interesting and believable. One’s all for covering “Jesus Gonna Be Here” but can’t see this being a top 20 version. Editors have it right -- shadowy delirium, dark and raw, coarseness and relative sweetness. .

Despite his raspy voice and heavy percussion, there's something comforting about listening to Tom Waits on a cold winter day

Earth Died Screaming 4.4 Dirt in the Ground 4.6 Such a Scream 4 All Stripped Down 4 Who Are You 4.2 The Ocean Doesn't Want Me 4.3 Jesus Gonna Be Here 4.7 A Little Rain 3.8 In the Colosseum 4.6 Goin' Out West 4.8 Murder in the Red Barn 4.3 Black Wings 4.8 Whistle Down the Wind 3.5 I Don't Wanna Grow Up 4 Let Me Get Up on It 3.5 That Feel 4 Score: 4.21875

Tom’s stuff is kinda ridiculous to listen to but it’s somehow very captivating to listen to. 3.5 maybe lower but rounding up.

listened to again it's full of human mess and grime but there's beauty that shines through

Hate the songs when he's singing in his higher register, but the rest are great

I’m a sucker for this rough and tumble junk box, back alley, nitty gritty Tom Waits stuff. Weird ages better than talent and Tom Waits is a fine wine with a perfect vint.

Pretty good stuff. The album covers a few different stylistic avenues: there are the usual wild ramblings over clanking, some tracks that could be on a folk singer-songwriter record, and some that are their own unique thing. The vibes and themes of the songs also vary, and yet go well together. As a result, the album is a coherent experience where everything feels in its place. It was fun to listen to and I got an impression of every track even though only three or four were real highlights.

Bijzonder

I really enjoyed this album - because it was coherent. He writes a good song, he is clear enough with his singing so I can understand what he's saying, and the instrumentation is just fine. Dirt in the Ground, and Goin' Out West, were my favourite tracks. A rare two-time listen.

Thought this was the most coherent album of his we've had. His graveliness is on par with Leonard Cohen's in you want it darker. Some of it is a bit too weird for me but I actually thought some tracks were really quite good. My favourites were "who are you this time" and "the ocean" 3.5 but I'm going with 4

Gravel vocalized A crunch so satisfying Sings eerie poems

Hell yeah, man. Look, part of Tom Waits' appeal to me is his persona - it's like the whole thing is performance art that isn't a performance and isn't really art. So I'm gonna be looking at this album through that lens, because if I didn't know who Waits was, but had this as my introduction, it'd probably get a 1 or 2. It's a tough listen to kick off, shit banging and clanging with Waits' unique voice kind melted in the middle. If a different Tom, like Tom Delonge or Tom Jones, put this out, it would be shit. Norah Jones this ain't. But that's part of the appeal of this album, too: it's something different, built deliberately and, at least to me, challenging in a way that's not so far gone that it's inaccessible noise. It's all stripped down to the bone, for better or worse. I really love a couple of songs on here, like really love. Sometimes it's worse, I think I'd like some new arrangements of stuff. Not my favorite Tom Waits' album, but definitely one that stands out. I don't know what kind of curve to grade this on, so I give it a 4. I have no doubt it was realized as expected, and I like Tom, but the challenge on some of these tracks is a bit much.

Tom Waits, original mumble rapper?

This is a perfect Halloween album. I wanted to play this while we sat on our porch and passed out candy but, tragically, it was no match for my neighbor's playlist of dubstep remixes of songs from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

I know one of my best friends hated this album, and yet I persist. This is not my favorite Waits album (none of my faves are on this list, actually), but I do love Tom Waits. So, even though this loses a star in my ranking of Tom Waits albums, it's still highly-ranked (and I, again, wish that Closing Time and Mule Variations were here to get five stars).

Weird, unique, and great. What a strange man. I feel like I’m just a tick off from fully living Waits but this is a good listen. Goin Out West and I Don’t Wanna Grow Up are standouts, but That Feel is a top tier song.

Oh man. Tom Waits has very little room of middle ground. Love or hat . I personally love his style, poetry and artistry. This album, although not my personal favorite, is a great encompassing album. Give it a listen...And for those newbies he is not effecting his voice - this IS Tom.

It's definitely a rough listen, which I've come to expect with Tom Waits. That said - I really enjoy it, even though it's not an album for your elegant dinner party.

Every Tom Waits album should be called "Bone Machine."

Whoa, something WAY different when I was expecting another fly by night Britpop recording. It is really put on the ordinary musically, lyrically, in every way. For me it had a strange appeal. It is worth a serious, sit back, put the headphones on, no distractions listen.

4.25

Underbelly. Dirt under fingers. Flowers growing through cracks in the pavement. This is the world of Tom Waits. He’s a wonderful storyteller and magician with wordplay. I’m not confident enough to say 5 stars but it’s certain exciting.

Me gusta Tom Waits, para mi sorpresa. En el papel, no debería ni acercarme, pero dentro de todo el ruido y lo rudo hay melodía y eso vale más.

This is like an evil Frank Sinatra. A

kuollut mies laulaa... luuranko klik klakattaa kun suupieli käypi... jack skellington näkyilevä äidinpaniskelija... skeletor looking mf... en koskaan valita kun tämä kusipää tulee vastaan vaikka olisi paska albumi. tämä onneksi kuitenkin miellyttävää höpsöilyä. kukaan ei tee tälläista musiikkia.. ja tällä kertaa ei sen takia koska se on paskaa musiikkia.. vaan koska muilla ei samankaltaista stalaktiitti syöpä ruoste ääni... KÄRSIVÄ MIES KÄRSIVÄ MIES TEKEE MAAILMASTA KAUNIINNMAN?? monet pelkäävät häntä.... toiset ihannoivat häntä... vaikka ei pitäisi kumpaakaan tehdä... hän vain on.... listen when tom waits is speaking... goin' out west

When I first heard Tom Waits, I found his voice rather over the top and slightly annoying. However he grew on me after a few listens and I started to appreciate his music. This album was like listening to Tom for the first time again. It's so stripped back at first that it was a tough listen and I was relieved when the album came back to more traditional Waits territory. However, after listening a couple more times, I found myself enjoying the whole album - bar the cover of I Don't Want To Grow Up - which I could definitely do without. A gravelly foof.

Hot take: this shit was interesting as hell. It just sounds so maniacal. I have a hard time saying it was enjoyable in a traditional sense, and I didn’t like all of it, but I was eager to hear what strange music would come next. It was a unique and unexpected experience.

I don't consider myself to be a Tom Waits fan in the slightest, but this really spoke to me for some reason. The highs on here are extremely high. Just get this man some cough medicine finally.

Tom Waits' bone has got a little machine. In his first 90s album, and first since the end of a bonkers trilogy (Swordfishtrombones, Wild Dogs, Frank's Wild Years), the erstwhile troubadour reins in on his ragged batshit musical style while, at the same time, somehow refining it. The result is not just a continuation of an upward trajectory towards hard-won inimitable greatness but the beginning of something else entirely; a moment when the hard swings of the stage light start to slow down towards a certain stillness, yet not quite ready to dim for there are still critters awaiting time in the spotlight. Favorites: The Earth Died Screaming, Dirt in the Ground, All Stripped Down, The Ocean Doesn't Want Me, A Little Rain, In the Colosseum, Goin' Out West, Murder in the Red Barn, Whistle Down the Wind, I Don't Want to Grow Up, That Feel.

My opinion of this changed 10 different times while listening

Tolle Tiefe stumme

I’m biased. Tom can do no wrong.

Let’s see; I’ve heard Heartattack & Vine, Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs, & Frank’s Wild Years, so this will be my 5th Waits album. The guy at his spookiest. Einstürzende Neubaten would be proud 🥹 But really, the industrial leanings in Bone Machine somehow lend themselves really well to Wait’s stabs at country, blues n’ gospel songs. Why was I apprehensive towards this album? The reviews made it sound a lot more unpleasant than it actually is. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Waits album without some headscratchers. Why does he have a lisp in “Jesus”? What are those sub-minute interludes? Yet even with those in mind, it somehow sounds exactly like the album he wanted to make at the time, even though it sometimes has the air of never before heard b-sides and studio footage. HL: “Dirt in the Ground”, “In the Colosseum”, “Goin’ Out West”, “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”, “The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me”

Seems very robust

This cover reminds me of the bad guy ghost that chases you in the Halloween version of Space Mountain. The delta blues influence is STRONG- especially in this opening track- this is totally not what I expected. I don’t know how much I like his voice, but I appreciate the musicality. I like “Dirt in the Ground” and the instrumentation in “Such a Scream.” And “Who Are You” has a lovely ballad sound to it, so does “A Little Rain.” I also think “Black Wings” is kinda groovy. Need to listen through again.

Tom Waits in his coarse glory

This dark and haunting album is part gospel, part folk tale, part voodoo witchcraft, and all Tom Waits at his whiskey and cigarettes and gravel voiced best.

Tom Waits is a unique individual and I was blown away by this album. I’m familiar with some of his older works but this one was something special.

I don’t think I’ll wear this one out, but it’s really good and unique and a work of art

Liked it a lot more than the other Waits album I’ve gotten. It’s like if pirates made rock music. Rating: 3.9

Very weird, but I liked it

Tom Waits is a king at bringing you into his world. Sometimes to me he comes across almost like a charismatic villain from something like a Batman movie; he has his distinct delivery, his lingo, and he could draw you into whatever world or scheme he is cooking up. This is a solid release that is packed with great tracks. I love the album artwork; it echos his twisted and otherworldly sound.

Classic good, growling Tom Waits.

The Tom Waits soundscape endlessly thrills and delights. Opening with Earth Died Screaming feels like an aural rollercoaster that at 50 mins is still too short but simply perfect.

This album opens sounding like a bone machine, as if the percussion is being pounded out on the bones of people, the earth screaming like a mother forced to swallow her own increase, her children unable to escape the devouring dirt because we're all chained to her--all because one brother slew another, and the dust cried out for vengeance. Yet this is our home. For all its ugliness, it's beautiful. For all its grit and grime, it's smooth and clean. So sing a grimy gospel tune and keep your eyes open. Stand in the rain and open your mouth to soothe your sandpaper crooning. If you think of Earth as a hotel, you're gonna wanna complain to the manager. But if you think of Earth as a prison, it's pretty damn nice. Hey, you know what's east of Eden? West. This album won the Grammy for Best Alternative Album, and when Waits found out, he said to his friend, the filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, "Alternative to what?" Good question, Tom. Waits' wife co-wrote half the songs on this album, demonstrating Brennan's growing influence in the creative evolution of her husband.

Rattle them bones :) They sure do, and create a wild, swampy, bluesy, even funky racket! I love it! At times it sounds like they are raising the dead; grave diggers, or murderers, or body snatchers, as musicians. 'In The Colosseum' is brutal, 'Murder in the Red Barn' makes Nick Cave sound like Ed Sheeran! The slower ones are wonderful too, beauty among the madness, especially 'Who Are You', A Little Rain' and 'Black Wings'. Got me listening to The Pixies 'Bone Machine' too, now there's a track.

Delightful and engaging the entire listen!

"Troll in the basement playing barely functional instruments Tom Waits" is my favorite Tom Waits. And, despite its dark weirdness it holds together in a way that other deliberately weird albums (looking at you Beefheart) fail to for me.

Don’t know why I keep sleeping on Tom Waits albums. Every time I listen to one I find myself enjoying it immensely. I was already a fan of Swordfishtrombones and this feels like a spiritual sequel to it stylistically, so of course I Loved it. He has a great sense of creating music that is creepy, sinister and macabre, the perfect soundtrack for a Halloween night.

Tom walked into the kitchen, started banging a bunch of pans and spatulas and ladles and screaming like a toddler who smokes 5 packs a day, and somehow made it sound good! 4 irritated mothers out of 5 😠😠😠😠

i really wanna like tom waits more but i just cant figure him out. his debut is great and i love experimental music but when it comes to his later stuff its just too much. still interesting, just not something i care to come back to. i did like i dont wanna grow up and that feel a lot and ill probably make myself listen to this again some time but its only getting a low 7/10 for now

I enjoyed this and I think I'll even try to re visit it in the future. Fun stuff, stream of consciousness like. But it's something else. Sounds like me when I'm doing drunk karaoke. It's like someone that listened to a lot of music on really old 45s doing an impression of the way it sounded to them, plus whiskey.

This is delightfully weird. Musically, it's all over the damn place. There are traditional sounds - guitar, drums, shaker - but there are all kinds of pops and cracks and just a general cacophony that probably shouldn't work, but does. And speaking of things that shouldn't work but do - Waits' voice. It sounds like he smokes 5 packs a day and gargles with razor blades but there's not a single misplaced note on the album. Who Are You is a song that's sparse, stripped back musically, putting his voice in the spotlight and, goddammit, it shouldn't work but it does. Even though the instruments are in the background, there's a standard 4/4 beat but there's a guitar, or banjo or something in the background that is definitely *not* playing the same beat/time signature and the rest of the song...but it works and it isn't distracting. I get the impression almost like I'm listening to a demo, and not in a bad way. There are always these drums and percussive sounds that sound like they're in the background; not turned down, mind you, but like Waits and co. are huddled around a single microphone and the percussion is farther away from the microphone. It has a rawness and authenticity, a lack of polish, an honesty of musicianship that is rare. I didn't know what to expect going into this album and, to be honest, I'm not *really* sure what I'm thinking after listening. I'm not sure I'd listen to it on repeat, but I'm pretty sure it's awesome?

Tom Waits is his own genre - there is no one that sounds anything like him. His gravel, hoarse, rough voice one of the defining elements. The vaudeville-esque, cacophony of horns, piano, and percussion from a seeming assortment of found objects create the concoction that is Waits' folk/blues/ballad/blech. His music is beautiful for the use of all of the ugly, out-of-sorts components he orchestrates.

Album cover 5/5

Bastante raro. Pero creo que le voy a dar un 4.

I've always enjoyed Tom Waits', what, studied weirdness(?) and his singular ability to defy genre categorisation. There's a wonderful mix of the odd, the cynical and the romantic in his work, as Bone Machine showcases superbly well.

Album. It sounds a lot older than it is. It has steel of folklore folk songs that sung for many generations. I think Tom Waits has the most surprising voice and I have always enjoyed creativity and songwriting. 4/5.

goste da voz

awesome

Pretty cool

Tom Waits has some very interesting albums.

Very interesting album. I like that he has a unique style, even if it’s not quite my thing.

You either like the music of a psychotic carnival barker singing over nothing but weird percussion or you don't. I do.

Kellermensch fik mig til at høre den her perle for mange år siden, numreret Dirt in the Ground er fantastisk. Rallende og nærmest growlene. Fedt at det ikke er behøver at være hele bandet som spiller på hvert track, hver gang. Fedt at dosere sine virkemidler.

Berolingende og foruroligende på en gang. Melodisk og hakket opbrudt. Tom Waits har måske verdens mest cool stemme. Ikke mindst på hans senere dage.

Love some weird Tom Waits

Tom Waits the goat. I find him very hard to describe but I like his performance every time.

Those that love Tom Waits LOVE TOM WAITS. He is such a mess of a musician, nothing beautiful, graceful or elegant. It's all thumpy, gritty and anguished. I bloody well love it. I've two of these albums, and had a third but it got swiped. I listened to it late at night during dark long countryside drives. Magical. Mesmerising. Disturbing. Illuminating. It taught me something about being male. No idea what, but something. High 4 stars. About as high as you can get without being 5.

Open the door. The Joker wants to come in

Bastante raro. Pero creo que le voy a dar un 4.

raspy

I did not know him. I especially liked Whistle Down the Wind.

I enjoyed this album more once I got past the grit of his voice.

As I learned from the list, Tom Waits is always unexpected and always a pleasure to listen to, even when the songs have too many drums for my personal taste.

One of those albums that sounds like it was around for years before ever being recorded. Rough and dark.

Great album

More like boner machine

Only critique of the album is that its super spooky and scary and kind of got to be in a certain vibe to get thru it all. But it has so many songs that can get stuck in your head like "Murder in the red barn" "In the Colleseum" "Earth Died screaming" and then there is some real heavy hitters like "Goin out west" "I dont wanna grow up"

Gloomy day. Perfect for Tom Waits

This album is everywhere. Tom Waits does his best impressions of Americana and soul while talking about death and absolute chaos. There’s a method to his madness, though. He apparently worked in the back room of a studio cellar to record this album! Songs like “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” and “A Little Rain” perfectly encapsulate the feel of being around a campfire and singing a song with a couple of friends. It would honestly be an amazing album if some songs had less cringey lyrics or less gore-focused lyrics. That’s why this album gets an 4.03125 or an 80.63%.

Who Are You This Time is my favorite song on this album.

Tom Waits is an interesting fellow. Signature raspy talk-singing and creative jam-like instrumentation. I feel like he's an acquired taste but once there you can see the merit.

I would give this 4.5 if I could. Fascinating use of voice, gospel, lyrics, differing styles. Great.

This album rules! I didn't realize both Les Claypool and Brain play on it! But what's better than recordings of Tom Waits multi-tracking himself with friends playing instruments and beating things in a big cement room while he sings everything from gravely growls to gravely falsettos over the top? Not much, that's what!

Maybe my favorite Tom Waits? An undeniable high mark, good shit throughout A-

Favorite Tracks: Dirt in the Ground I Don’t Wanna Grow Up Who Are You

This is another way that Tom Waits has grown on me. It's raw but compelling. I might listen to a lot more Tom Waits.

Tom Waits is good. These songs are very interesting, with ‘Goin’ Out West’ having particularly cool music. He also has good, descriptive lyrics that feed into the mood of the songs. Great album.

Waits's words are not, as the cover suggests, of ghosts, but certainly of the already dead. The instrumentals prickle, with some instruments which carry the whole room and others which stick to electronic plateaus.

Mix of stellar ballads and weird mindfuckery which always sends me to the most peculiar mood. All of them sung in a gravelly voice sounding like no other voice on Earth, and crafted through Brechtian, "distanciated" hodge-podge aesthetics that often hit a soft spot in me. Second-period Tom Waits is always quite fascinating, minus one rare album where the man goes too far (looking at you, *The Black Rider*). I understand this sort of music is not for everyone. Yet highlights such as "Dirt In The Ground", " All Stripped Down", "Who Are You", " A Little Rain", "Going Out West", "Black Wings", " Whistle Down The Wind", "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" and moving closer "That Feel" (with Keif, from the Stones) are as good as any other highlights from Waits' eighties repertoire (the decade right before the one where *Bone Machine* was released). And that's not even counting the other tracks in that record, which are at least interesting in their own right. Four stars, then. Number of albums left to review: 340 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 299 (including this one). Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 158 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 212

Best songs: Dirt In The Ground A Little Rain Goin’ Out West Murder In The Red Barn I Don’t Wanna Grow Up Weird but I quite like it. Between a 3 and a 4.

Never really appreciated this phase of Tom Waits, but I have the first half a good listen, and there’s a lot to appreciate. Interesting percussion, good lyrics, good melodies. It sounds like they just kind of pressed record during a jam session.

Beautiful, emotional, spare, direct. My first full Waits album. I'm familiar with his gravelly voice and his reputation for strangeness but they're unmistakable. Waits is, arguably, actually a subtle artist but the rough nature of his voice and the dark feel of his composition are not. It's the loveliness of his melodies and chord progressions that are. This use of his weary-sounding voice deepens the pathos on display. Something about the natural inclination of our voices toward vocal fry when we tire lends a gravity to Tom Waits that isn't easily replicable in another way. He sounds like he has traveled continents but simply must sing you one song, give you one message before he can rest. It helps that his pitch and dynamic control are excellent in spite of what seems initially to be a classically naive voice. Make no mistake -- the gravel is natural and his skills as a singer are practiced and genuine. Both are a rare combination (though admittedly, more common as I write in 2023, thanks to specialist vocal coaches). A diverse and extraordinary album.

Best Song: The Earth Died Screaming. What a ripping way to start off an album. A song that feels like it's in perfect accord with the album art. Worst Song: All Stripped Down. Dips a little too far into the "noise rock" genre for me. Overall: Love me some Tom Waits, so I love a lot of what's here. Definitely deeper into his experimental stuff (which I prefer), but there are still some duds floating around that make it less cohesive than his greats (e.g., Rain Dogs).

אחלה אחלה אחלה של אלבום יש לבחור קצת קול מוזר אבל הוא עושה אחלה מוזיקה

Awesome album, one I'd never heard of before, loved the general sound, all of the drums. Something about it really resonated with me, will definitely revisit

I think my favorite from Mr. Waits. Such grit!

All of this found percussion and natural recording remind me of Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Love this one.

art

This album is a journey. Some beautiful songs and some painful ones.

This is the second Tom Waits album that I've been assigned, the first being Rain Dogs. I was completely unfamiliar with his music before starting this list, but I've quickly become a fan of his. I really enjoyed this album. I loved the melancholy lyrics, the piano playing, and the percussion. I know Tom Waits's voice isn't for everyone, but I really enjoy his singing. His gravely and gruff singing is absolutely perfect for his lyrics. I thought the pacing of this album was really good too; I liked that the majority of the album was slower and more melodic, with some more chaotic and experimental songs popping up every so often to change the pace. As much as I enjoyed the changes in pace throughout the album, the more experimental songs were not my favorite. I'd just rather hear Tom Waits be slow and gravely than disorderly and wild. Still, this was a great album, and I can't wait to listen to more of Tom Waits's discography.

I'm not the biggest Tom Waits fan but I think this album is remarkable. It shows Tom the way I like him the most : dark, twisted but vulnerable at times. This has to be my favorite of his.

The blend of folk/americana style with dark and gothic vibe is strangely wonderful. Tom Waits delivery is also unique, emotive and powerful.

Unique sound and instrumentation. Prime Tom Waits channeling Beefheart territory. Not as accessible as some other Waits albums but worth sticking with

Grotesque, primal, and laced with doom. Classic Waits!

Il est rare qu’on entende un homme expérimenter avec sa voix (autrement r que pour sonner agressif). Et, outre ce souci, on joue sur les textures et les arrangements. Un vrai original. 4,5

There is something about Tom Waits, that just make his music so appealing, no matter how weird, or unorthodox it is. He could just wail for 45 minutes (which he often does) and it would be still a good album. Same with Bone Machine. Different to anything I've heard before, but still working really well, both with lyrics and instruments. Really solid piece.

Super trippy, I went from hating it to loving it over the course of an album. Not for everyone though

Raw, broken, and dirty. That's how I'd describe this album. Interesting too. Unique. Not sure if I really enjoyed it, though, but maybe I'm not supposed to?

Soooky in a good way.

It’s been on my ‘to listen’ list for a while and the 1001 finally gave me an excuse. Very much enjoyed. Earth Died Screaming, The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me, and Goin’ Out West were highlights.

The Eath Died Screaming is a haunting track. This album is such a workout. Waits is determined to go under every rock to scratch the holes. A Little Rain is so totally out in left field. In The Colesseum is a killer, ramshackle dirge.

Excellent. Would be even more excellent if someone else was singing.

This is Tom’s biggest contrast between his hellish and beautiful songs. The duality of his artistic nature is on full display here

this is so good! thought i wouldn't like it but i did

Digger tydeligvis tom waits

In his initial years he was a charming barfly and was likeable for the same reasons Bukowski was. By the time of Bone Machine he was still charming but not in the barfly way. He was an ecclectic musician taking his story telling lyrics on a new journey accompanied by a strange assortment of things that he turned into instruments, distorted vocals that range from creepy to longing and haunting guitar playing that fits in no particular genre. We would be pissed off at most successful musicians who made an album like this but Tom makes it work. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is exactly what we expect from an early 40s Tom but the song that follows it is equally enjoyable as he makes noise work.

OOOH love a Tom Waites album, and this is one of my preferred TW albums. It's so dark and dramatic in a very cool and interesting way. Love the use of rhythm and percussion. It sounds like a film soundtrack and actually the track Whistle Down the Wind, is it named after the film? I can't find any info about a connection anywhere but that is an absolutely excellent film. Loved the variety of more and less melodic tracks and range of sounds. I love his voice but I understand it's a marmite situation. I LOOOOOVE the story-telling style and will listen again soon.

It's good stuff. I can't even start to think how you'd sit down and go 'yeah I'm gonna make an album like this'. He's so different in so many ways. Really enjoyed this.

El Tom Waits que va néixer amb 'Swordfishtrombones' és digne d'estudi. La reinvenció a què es va sotmetre no té equiparació en el món del rock, com a mínim amb el seu nivell d'èxit artístic. 'Bone Machine' inaugurava els seus '90s donant una nova volta a la rosca musical de Waits. Més fosc que mai, fangós, complicat, però amb un resultat brillant, que en aquell moment era ja gairebé habitual en ell

Tom Waits gets weirder. Lots of percussion, raspy vocals, some unconventional production choices. Sometimes it sounds like Waits is just messing around, with no structure or idea in mind. Sometimes it actually sounds like a fully-realized song. There's no doubt that Tom Waits is an accomplished and excellent songwriter, it's just that Bone Machine indicates a certain willingness to dive into whatever idea Waits had at the time. It just turns out that a lot of his ideas are really good!

Buen disco de Tom Waits. Un 4.

When I was at university I attended a Tom Waits film showing. I can't remember what we saw, some documentary with Tom Waits providing the music, it was arty. After the first five minutes people began to stand up and leave, soon it was a mass exodus. The people leaving seemed almost angry, as it they had been here under false pretences. There was also a mild disgust directed at the people who weren't leaving, as if they were only remaining in their seats to be annoying. In hindsight, I think it was more likely that the people leaving felt threatened by those staying, as they must see something in the music that the people leaving couldn't appreciate. About fifteen minutes in, we were down to around a third of the original crowd, but notably, nobody else left before the end. As for this album, I found it imperfect, but still enjoyable, and very much an interesting listening experience. I have a few Tom Waits albums, but earlier ones. I hadn't ever heard this before, but it was a great mix of howls, shouts, the odd melody, and more howling. Easy 4 stars.

Mjög gott. Ekki hans besta en mjöög gott.

This is a wonderful introduction to a modern version of Tom Waits. I don't think it's near his best work, but there are several songs on this album that stand up to (and surpass some of) his classics. The Earth Died Screaming, I Don't Want To Grow Up, and Black Wings are among his best recordings imo. Overall the album is a bit long for me, but I'm still going to play it through time and again in the future.

Tom Waits is a legend. That gravelly, road less traveled voice, soaked in bourbon and cigars, it has an allure all its own

Wonderfully unique.

Tom Waits' Bone Machine is one of his albums that I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I'm familiar with his works and know the more popular albums. Bone Machine was a first listen and won't be the last. 4/5.

This is definitely not the easiest album to listen to initially, mainly due to the crazy vocals. However once you get used to it it’s actually very rewarding. There’s a lot variety here with some ballads mixed with more experimental bluesy music. It isn’t as “out there” as you would think though, there’s catchiness there and it’s really not that experimental. The hardest thing is the vocals which are so weird for someone not used to them. Great album though.

Raspigt, skramligt och ljuvt. Funkar helt ok.

I know Shane loves him some Tom Waits, but I've never been much of a fan. I've listened to a song here and a song there, but just never been able to get into him. The only song of his in my collection is "Goin' Out West," which just happens to be on this album. After listening to the album in its entirety, I've come to appreciate him a bit more. It seems I favor his bluesier stuff, like "Dirt in the Ground," "Jesus Gonna Be Here Soon," and "Murder in the Red Barn" over his kookier stuff like "All Stripped Down" or songs like "Whistle Down the Wind," which is kinda ballad-y, I guess? The exception here seems to be "In the Colosseum," which is definitely on the kooky side of the spectrum, yet still does it for me. One thing's for sure: the guy can tell a story. His lyrics are unique and evocative. I'll need to make time to give this album another listen. As it stands, I feel like this is a 3.5, but I think I'll round up to 4 out of respect for his total disregard for music industry conventions. Gotta respect that.

I totally understand Tom Waits' following, but this album didn't do much for me. 3.5 stars. On a side note: I barely learned that he played Redfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1992. I feel silly for not knowing that because it's very obviously him.

Dark and brilliant.

This album is quintessential Tom Waits in the style of the first trio of albums recorded with Island Records. The music feels organic, as if it’s cobbled together from whatever is laying around. Tom Waits creates scenes, and feelings such that his world feels like a darker more self aware version of our own. I prefer his earlier records to this one, but it still a phenomenal records.

While this wasn't really my style, I really enjoyed parts of this album and it really surprised me. It was incredibly well written and created a setting/mood just as good as any album I have ever listened to. Some of the songs were truly chilling, some felt like if you made a Wes Craven movie into an album. This is definitely not an every man's album and you really would have to be in a specific mood to listen to this but the artistry is undeniably great. This was my first time hearing Tom Waits and something about his vibe made me immediately think of New Orleans like he sounds like he is into voodoo. The storytelling and writing on this album is incredible and really made this a treat to listen too. His voice is definitely grating but in the same way as a Louis Armstrong or DMX to me which is a good thing. I think the best songs on this album were "I Don't Wanna Grow Up", "That Feel", "Black Wings", "The Earth Died Screaming", "Dirt In The Ground" and "Such A Scream". "Dirt In The Ground" was probably my favorite track, the instrumentation on that song was incredible with the low Sax and piano, it worked beautifully with his overstrained vocals. I was not a huge fan of "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me" (a little too slow, dull and boring for me) and "In The Colosseum" (a little basic compared to the rest of the album) but that is about it. Definitely not an album for the people who only likes happy/pop-y music. I would give this a 9/10 but definitely not an album you can just throw on.

It's good. Great even, but his voice put me to sleep

I wish I had discovered Tom Waits at a younger age. I only got into him in my mid-twenties, and I feel as though I'm not as well-versed in his stuff as I should be. That said, I'm starting to gain some level of familiarity with his stuff. Enough to know that this isn't my favorite album of his. But it still has the captivating, clangy feel of his middle-period records. He's a great songwriter, and his uniqueness is felt here.

kind of funny Waits

A high-impact, but slightly uneven, work by a singular artist. Moodier and less theatrical than some of his canon. One prefers the sweeter cuts ("Who Are You This Time," "A Little Rain" "Whistle Down the Wind" and "That Feel") to the grittier, more raffish and most discordant cuts, the most effective of which are "The Earth Died Screaming" and "I Don't Want to Grow Up." The husky rough vocals are near heartbreaking when TW goes tender. Though it's emotionally and psychologically stripped down it doesn't seem musically so. Holds up really well for being 30 (!) years old. And well worth a grammy.

Waits will always be a pleasure to have on the list. You never know what to expect. This album is a return to form. His classic growl and storytelling, mixed with some great ballads and a classic in Grow Up. I enjoyed it and will push it to a 4.

This had a carnal sound to my innocent ears. It reminded me of some of the early work by The Creatures. The rhythmic pounding wasn't something I was expecting from Tom Waits. He has so much soul in his voice to balance out the beats. That's all I ask for in any album. Waits is at his best when he is ballideering. The gentle sax touches are soothing in relation to the harsh lyrics. This was a great find. The CD has been snaffled up.

Tom is the carnival I always want in the background and this album is no different.

I liked this a lot more than I thought I was going to do, even after I read the stories of how this album was recorded. I think I’m a sucker for unconventional percussion. That probably makes me a sucker for Tom Waits.

Love me some Tom Waits. Not as ambitious as Rain Dogs but still solid

[every review about how weird, growly, jangly, and off-putting this is, but *as a compliment*]

So good. Dark. Raining fish. He even develops a lisp for one song. 4.5/5

Fijn om weer eens te horen

Great passion and incredible interpretations by one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of music.

Sometimes you don’t know why an album has the title it has, but that’s not the case here. Tom made a machine out of bones. A bone machine. And then he plays it for you and you suffer eternal damnation.

Baffling, beautiful, haunting, weird

this was…significantly better than i expected. i havent enjoyed tom waits before, but i really liked this.

Not Tom Waits best in my opinion but it’s a gorgeous album nonetheless. Peculiar in sound and production and only a few standout songs - but it’s more of a complete record kind of thing - it makes sense as a whole.

Upbeat it is not, but then it is Tom Waits so that is not news to anyone. It was an interesting experience but required persistence as his style really does take some getting used to before it becomes appreciated. I have not, however, been converted. I am not going to seek out more of his so called music to listen to, nor am I going to listen to this again.

"Bone Machine" is the 11th studio album by Tom Waits and was his first one in five years after "Franks Wild Years." It was noted as being rough, stripped down and percussion heavy with dark themes of death and chaos. I'll say; at times these songs could very creepy, could be beautiful and also sounded like listening to a 1920's/1930's radio show. It was recorded in a cellar in California which had very good echo. Guest appearances on the album included Les Claypool (Primus), David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) , Brain (drummer) and Keith Richard's. It was produced by Waits and his wife Kathleen Brennan (who co-wrote some of the songs) and also won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album. Multiple sticks, weird percussion and Les Claypool start the album with the very creepy "Earth Died Screaming." Waits begins the song mumbling and is screaming by the end. Oh, and it's about the apocalypse. "Who Are You This Time" is a more straight-forward rock song. Hey, Tom Waits can sing. One of the "beautiful" songs on the album. Great lyrics...singing about an ex-girlfriend who was promiscuous. "They're lining up to mad-dog your tilt-a-whirl." Waits goes gospel on "Jesus Gonna Be Here." A nice echo production and sounded like a very barebones New Orleans jazz song. Impending death. "A Little Rain" is a heartfelt and melancholy song with Waits' raspy voice. Piano and steel guitar. A father is recalling his daughter's death. "Goin' West" sounds like mid-80's alternative with the creepy guitar. Pounding drum beat. A raw sound. Waits is particularly indecipherable as he makes fun of Hollywood pretty boys. Tom has hair on his chest and he looks good. Lol. Los Lobos' David Hidalgo plays accordion and violin on "Whistle Down the Wind." Another Waits' raspy delivery. He's looking back at his life before being stuck in the dust. And then the album finishes off with "That Feel." Keith Richard's contributes to the vocals and with Waits and him together sounding like two old drunks singing at a bar. Excellent. About an old girlfriend? About drugs? He can't really change who he is. This album was a fun experience. It might be grating to some but never a dull moment. Original. Experimental. I don't know if I'd start with this album if you haven't heard him before but if you like him, I'm sure probably like this.

Great curation of tones and moods. Some of the songs aren't great in isolation, but they don't have to be - it's about the atmosphere which comes through in spades

The very thing that drew me to Tom Waits in the first place is what makes some of his albums suffer a little bit - the fact that each song is so different, he's doing so many experiments and dabbling in so many genres. I don't come back to this one as much as some of the others because it's not as cohesive, and it drags, especially in the middle. Despite that, some of my favorites of his are on this album. It would actually be much faster for me to list the songs that aren't my favorites, but I won't do that. If I had to narrow to my top 3 favorites, I would say "Dirt In The Ground," "Jesus Gonna Be Here" and of course "I Don't Wanna Grow Up." And "The Earth Died Screaming" "Such a Scream" "All Stripped Down" "In The Colosseum" "Goin Out West" "Murder in the Red Barn" and "That Feel." There, I've named almost every song on the album.

I had barely listened to this Waits album, I think the first time I was like "this is a bit much for me at the time" and I moved onto The Black Rider. This is a great reason to give it a deliberate re-listen. This is one is dark, even for Waits. Cinematic and theatrical as all hell. It's like Waits got too drunk and was locked in a basement, then was informed everyone he loved has gone away and now he has to make an album. Sound wise, this is percussion-driven with everything falling around that. It suits the album well. There may be a few tracks that don't do a ton for me, but overall it's very strong. Fav Tracks: Goin' Out West, Dirt in the Ground, The Earth Died Screaming

entertaining

Bem melhor que o anterior dele escutado. Mais rock.

4.5

Wowwy, this is actually dope. That opening is what I imagine a Bone Machine would sound like. Didn’t listen to the whole thing, but the quality of what I did listen too is much higher then a lot of the stuff I’ve listened to so far through this website. I also love this cover art. Shoutout Dan Rowan

I strongly dislike some of Waits' music, but this is actually really good! It has a Southern Gothic kind of energy.

The first Tom Waits album on this run. I had previously heard stuff like Blue Valentine but wasn’t too keen on it. Can’t say the same about this one though. It’s brilliant. Much has been said about the stripped back sound on this record but I think this is where Waits’ voice finds its natural backdrop. Really enjoyed this record and looking forward to giving a second chance to some other bits in his catalogue.

Pas mon préféré de Tom Waits mais tout de même impressionnant Prefs: Earth Died Screaming, Dirtin' the Ground, Such a Scream, Who Are You, In the Colosseum, Goin' Out West, Murder in the Red Barn, Black Wings, Whistle Down the Wind, I Don't Wanna Grow Up, That Feel Moins pref: All Stripped Down

Being more experienced with his 80s-sound, Waits turns up the country influence, making the music at turns more touching or more demented

This guy is equally as cool as his music

Buen disco de Tom Waits. Un 4.

Bastante raro. Pero creo que le voy a dar un 4.

I find Tom Waits a tough listen, always have. So it was a nice surprise that one of his stranger albums is his most appealing.

Szpile w glowie czesc pierwsza

Digerible, y muy bueno hablando en escalas de Tom Waits

I love Tom Waits and this is a great album. This one is delightfully grim. I would also say that I know there are at least three other albums of his that I prefer, that this one felt a little long, and that I had more trouble finding a song I really connected to. But those are nitpicks.

My favourite Waits album, bar none!

The first time I heard I don't Wanna Grow up, loved that track then I saw the video and was sold. Tom Waits may not have that conventional voice but he is the guy who makes every weird note just a little more awesome, every word, and oddity is his own thing. I don't have anyone to really compare him to...but awesome album.

Another great Waits album. This one seems a lot more percussive than some of the previous ones on the list. It gives it a raw mechanical sound and that mixes well with his voice. We still get those Waits ballads like “A little Rain” and “Who Are you” in between them. This gives the album a strange light/heavy vibe. “Goin’ Out West” is just insane and probably my favorite track on here. This album doesn’t hit me a strongly as Rain Dogs or Swordfish Trombones but it’s still a solid album.

I feel like I shouldn't like Tom Waits as much as I do. Dude's weird. But I dig it. This is an all-around very cool album. Lots of dark references to death in the middle of some really catchy but odd music. Favorite tracks: Earth Died Screaming, Dirt in the Ground, Such a Scream, All Stripped Down, Who Are You, Going West, I Don't Wanna Grow Up (I also like the well known cover by the Ramones - also check out the cover by Priscilla Ahn - thanks YouTube for that suggestion!). Too weird to call a 5, but definitely a solid 4.

Really strong songs, and I like industrial junk Tom so much better than crooner tom.

Very good

Not bad, Never knew he was so unique. Serious gravel and alot of 'Experience' in both that voice and those lyrics.

surprisingly good album, from the title and cover I was expecting something more grungy like Dust by Screaming Trees but I actually really liked this nice acoustic, bluesy kind of album 8/10

Every Tom Waits song reminds me of the Wire, but I dig his voice and moody tunes.

not as good as some of the stuff from the 70s and 80s but still ... Tom Waits

Definitivamente no es el tipo de música que escucho ni que suele gustarme, pero "Such a Scream", "All Stripped Down" e " In The Colosseum" me parecieron muy buenas (!). "Goin' Out West" mi súper favorita, y mención de honor a "I Don't Wanna Grow Up", que va directo a mi playlist autobio!! "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me" es bastante rarita; siento que se parece a "Untitled" de Mylène Farmer (quizá se haya basado en esa canción, quién sabe...). También siento que hay momentos en que puedo reconocer algo de influencia de Johnny Lee Hooker en la música del álbum (?), especialmente en "Jesus Gonna Be Here". Muuuy buen álbum, le doy un 8.5/10, sólo porque no es mi estilo.

Not my favourite Waites album, but one I enjoyed nonetheless.

I bought this when it came out in 1992 - a very strange but compelling album which rewards multiple plays.

A voice to crush rocks, but a poetic soul to reflect our humanity.

Grew on me. At first it sounds like a rewrite of Rain Dogs by an old man past his peak (which to an extent is undeniably so) but there are some real gems: who are you is great. Jesus gonna be here (Blind boys of Alabama version) has been a favourite of mine for years without me knowing it was his song.. though their version is definitely better.

Possessed, he vomits up the lyrics as an exorcism is banged out in the background.

Liebe Tom Waits, aber das ist schon sehr experimentell… deshalb keine 5

Una vibra muy fuerte de pantano encantado donde conviven la población whitetrash con las regiones gringas del vudú. Chido, sus toques darks me gustan. Favs: Such a scream, in the coliseum, going out west. Mood: The bible gone wrong

Powerful songs with beautifully melancholic moments, as is the way of TW's music

This album sounds like a demon escaped from Hell and started a band with reanimated skeletons.

This album is tight!

Tom Waits is quirky, weird, and does not follow any rules. His music always feels good.

A voz de Tom é o ponto mais elevado da sua música, uma voz cansada e pesada que cria uma ambientação melancólica Nem tudo me agrada neste álbum mas a voz carismática do compositor não me permite dar uma nota inferior a 7. Nota:7/10

demented, dark, growly and percussive. Sounds like it was recorded in a nuclear bunker 3 days after the last of the rations ran out. Not an easy listen by any stretch.

Bastante raro. Pero creo que le voy a dar un 4.

Tre bon album, je suis tomber sur un autre album de tom waits apres et je vois qu’il y en d’autres plus mons tyle. Quand meme ca vaut la peine. 4*

Mare like 3.5 but extra points for trying something different.

- Was surprised by this album, I know Tom Waits' voice can be pretty hit or miss for me, but largely connected with me all album. I liked the instrumentation all over, from the weird percussion to the sax parts - I didn't know that "I Don't Want To Grow Up" was a Tom Waits song. I think I had only heard the version by the Ramones. - This came out the same year that Tom Waits was Renfield in "Bram Stoker's Dracula", hard not to imagine him just randomly eating flies during the recording of this album

Bringing back the memories on this one

It did have something creative and it could be something that I would explore more in the future. But most of this album is not for me.

The first words to pop into my head were "voodoo blues". A bunch of my favorite artists love Waits, so naturally I enjoyed this. Waits sounds like a man possessed or heavily intoxicated. Very apocalyptic. Favorite tracks: "Jesus Gonna Be Here", "Goin' Out West", "Murder In the Red Barn"

Definitely an acquired taste, but I listened twice and was pretty into it.

Ok

I just don't get Tom Waits.

6/10

2.5 I have to be in the mood for Tom Waits and I wasn't particularly in the mood today

Had a friend who was super into Tom Waits. I still don't fully get it, but it's interesting enough not to hate.

That was weird, but in an artsy way I can appreciate. I should hate it, but I don't. His falsetto is terrible and that annoyed me, but I got past it.

Sounds like most other Tom waits albums. Gravelly griping down in a great poetic form

Whilst I do enjoy Tom Waits, I tend to prefer it when there’s a bit more melody in the music. You know what you are getting with the voice, but if there was a bit more instrumentation this would be better. It’s not bad, but it is uneven.

I like this one slightly more than the others I've heard. 3/5

Goin' Out West I Don't Wanna Grow Up

This was a very specific experience, and I have to give Tom Waits credit for dreaming up and executing that specific experience. Was it for me? No, but it was still clearly borne out of talent and vision. Vocally, I was confused and unsettled, but lyrically, there was some good storytelling and vivid imagery. Honestly, if he had a more tolerable voice, this would've been a 4!

It sounds like a skeleton being thrown down the stairs which apparently I find surprisingly listenable

Too mental for me to listen to in a single serving. By turns dissonant, claustrophobic, then occasionally lovely. I don't dislike most of this it's just it gets cumulatively more stifling and uncomfortable. What's he building in there? A mad mess of hobo poetry and metal music, that's what.

too long

Tom Waits is one of the few where I do genuinely love some of the songs but often ask wtf on others, even on the same album.

Moving in the right direction on this album. I didn't like Heartattack and Vine but this is an improvement, though I'm still not sure I fully get Tom Waits. To me his music comes across as esoteric comedy music, when he's doing these weird voices like somebody doing a parody of Billy Gibbons on the opening track or Mark Lanegan on Who Are You. If these are supposed to be sincere and heartfelt, they don't come across that way to me I like some of the weirdness and dark parts, The Ocean Doesn't Want Me is creepy and sinister. Jesus Gonna Be Here and Goin' Out West are some good twisted southern twang. All Stripped Down also reminded me of Misfit Love by QOTSA in a way I wasn't sick of this by the end like I was with Heart Attack and Vine but it's still pretty mixed. He does have 3 (!!!) more albums on the generator so I suppose he's getting 3 more chances Highlights: Goin' Out West, All Stripped Down

Very interesting and varied album that has some very good songs. However, the slow folk songs and country tracks are unequivocally terrible. 2.5/5.0: Mixed

hell yeah opening your album with clattering bones, we're in the haunted bayou baby! I like to clown on him, because come on, the man sounds on the verge of tears through damn near every verse, and makes it spooky. He commits to his bit, I gotta give him that. Its weird and its original.

It was... interesting. Definitely kept my attention for most of it. And I like the drama of the whole thing, as well as the instrumentals/percussion, which felt raw and inventive! But... Waits's voice was definitely grating at the best of times.

Nice to see some alternative music on here, what the list should be for

Wildly interesting